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Tuesday 23 March 2010

 

April Falls Day 2010

April 1 is Falls Awareness Day to highlight that falls cost the health system more than any other injuries, including road trauma, but can be prevented with a few simple steps.

Injury and death from falls in NSW increases every year with about 30,000 hospitalisations and at least 300 deaths in people aged 65 years and over in the past year.

Rural communities in Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) have rates of falls in the elderly above the state average which is the leading reason for premature admission to permanent residential aged care.

GSAHS Acting Falls Coordinator Lorraine Dubois said falls are not a normal part of getting older.

"As people age being inactive is the biggest falls risk factor. The saying 'use it or lose it' is true in this case to keep muscles and bones strong and improve balance," she said.

A GSAHS physical activity initiative has been well received by dozens of local communities who now have access to low cost falls safe Tai Chi and Community Exercise.

A network of over 100 volunteers offer classes for to seniors to stay fit, meet new friends and enjoy good health.

"Being active works to reduce falls especially when people combine exercise with medication, vision and home safety checks," Ms Dubois added.